F-35 2.0 Beta 1 - WIP testing and open discussion post - CLOSED

BETA TEST CLOSED

SORRY FOR THE LACK OF UPDATES - DUE MY PERSONAL TIME CONSTRAINTS, BETA 1 HAS NOT BEEN AS EXTENSIVE AS I WISHED IT TO BE, NOR DID I HAVE TIME TO UPDATE THE BLOG PROPERLY.
I WILL MAKE A NEW POST WITH ALL THE CHANGES DONE IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS.

FEATURES OF THE BETA 1
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This Beta 1 build includes only the F-35A, and only in USAF markings, actually depicting AF-9, one of the Low Rate Initial Production and one very first aicraft delivered to Eglin AFB.
External model is much more accurate than the previous release and should be significantly closer to the real thing. Due to a much higher polycount, I've decided to remove some eye-candies such as "Remove before flight" ribbons and wheelchocks. It is possible, however, that the new visual model may impact the fps.
The VC has been optimized in several areas, and sports minor functional improvements, texture refinements and details.
No changes to the flight model - which has been extensively tested though in the previous releases - and IMHo mimics the behaviour of a fly-by-wire quite well in many areas of the envelope.

SEE NEXT POST FOR THE LIST OF CHANGES

F-35A Beta - Stop to applications

Thanks a lot for you interest in the F-35 Beta - I've already received dozens of applications, much more than the ones I need and definitely more than what I can handle.
I am closing the selection today - download links to the selected testers will be sent most probably during the weekend.

F-35 2.0 Beta 1 - How to apply

Well, I finally have a build that I consider good enough for Beta 1. Actually I think it should be better than that, as the flight model is the same as the previous version and it was working fine...and most of the VC is the same, apart from some minor graphical tweak.
So, Beta 1 is ready for testing. Beta 1 will ONLY feature the F-35A, the CTOL version. F-35B is in the works, but it experiencing some delay as my real life job is consuming most of my time and energy lately. F-35C is also in the works, but, for technical reasons, it is much better to have the -A and -B ready before moving to the -C.

Should you want to apply for the Beta testing, please drop me an email at indiafoxtecho (gmail) com, which, from now on, will be my main address for simulation related email. Please add a F-35A Beta in the subject (or anything that will help me sorting them out) and a brief description of your systems and main add-ons...and which kind of simmer you are, if you wish so - keep it short - I just want to better understand your perspective and -in case- suggestions.
Also, due to my time constraints, I will not accept many testers - it will be impossible for me to collect a large amount of information. There will not be a particular rule to chose the testers - I will mainly pick different systems/simmer "types" combination...just to have varied feedback. Should you not be picked - well, I am sorry - I just cannot accept more than few testers.
Also, to report bugs, please use ONLY the methods described in the email. Thanks you all in advance!

F-35A External weapons

Above is the "new" cockpit...as you can see it is mostly the same as the previous version. There are some subtle changes to the textures, minor geometry fix and some optimizations here and there.

Here is a picture of the "final" -A model. The new 3D model is much more accurate...but less efficient in terms of frame rates. Models with external loads are, of course, "heavier" in terms of geometry, so users with slower systems should see a better performance without external loads.

Another shot of the new F-35A model

I think the F-35A is ready for Beta testing. Hopefully, during the next weekend I should be able to compile the versions with the various loadouts. I will post the instructions on how to apply to for the Beta once they are ready.

F-35A USAF Markings

Another quick update to show you what will be the USAF markings (based on actual photos of the first aicraft delivered to Eglin AFB)... Then, there will soon be good news for those waiting to hover in an F-35B. Carrier version is also in the works, but needs much more work than I expected...

New F-35A progress

A quick update to show you that the external model of the F-35A is 95% done. I just need to remake the ventral sensors area and redo the flaperon animation and it is done. Looks much better than the old one IHMO. Virtual cockpit, on the other hand, will be mostly recycled from the older version.

I will first have the F-35A ready for a Beta and then eventually proceed with F-35B and C.

Old F-35A Withdrawn from sales... New version almost ready for testing!

As announced previously, the "old" version of the F-35 Lightning II has been withdrawn from sales on SimMarket. I'd like to thank all the customers, contributors and supporters - it was my first payware project and, for my goals, it has been a huge success.

I have no idea when the new one will be available, but the test version will surely be ready within February.

It is basically a graphically improved version of the previous one - so do not expect additional functionality. Well, actually some "visual treats" are being left out (like wheel chocks and "remove before flight" ribbons) in order to have a much better 3d detail and accuracy.
I am quite happy of the compromise between level of detail and performance at the moment - on my system it is slightly "heavier" (in terms of fps) than the previous model... but not that much. Fair trade, IMHO, if you consider how good the new mesh looks.
Cockpit will be almost the same as the previous version - just minor tweaks here and there. I am considering to remove the "full (half) screen" radar mode as it seems to have several bugs due to the way it is implemented. Removing it will help the perfomance a bit... I am not sure.
Flight model will not change.

I am also considering to add the F-35B and F-35C to the package.
If so, the F-35B will be uncapable of VTOL operations (will only support STOL slow-speed mode...I think it is called "mode 3" on the real thing but I may be wrong).

As for the F-35C... you may already have seen some pics in this blog. Latest build looks better...but the new F-35A has a higher priority being the "base" model.

In terms of pricing, it will depend on the features... for sure it will not be expensive and it will be close to the previous version. Few Euros/Dollars more if all three models are included... or a few less if it will have only the F-35A.

I will also try to apply discounts to the customers of the previous version - afterall most of the cockpit and the flight model are the same, and you have already paid for it... Let's see what I can do.